Building the Blueprint for a Feasibility Tool in Sustainable Architecture

RESEARCH

UX

My Role

From 2018-2023, I worked as a UX/UI Designer at Modulous, contributing to the development of their feasibility tool, TESSA, which is part of their platform focused on digitising design, costing, and procurement processes for modular homes. My role evolved over time, from supporting investment initiatives, to hands-on collaboration with front-end developers and subject matter experts across the AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) industry to deliver a Beta product.

User Research to Proof of Concept

During the initial two years of my tenure at Modulous, I was primarily engaged in conducting qualitative 1-1 user interviews. These interviews involved users from different domains, such as local authorities, property developers, engineers, and other influential figures within the construction industry. The main purpose of these interviews was to assist the company in validating its hypothesis that there is a market demand for digitising the design and delivery processes in the modular construction sector. These interviews helped the company gather valuable insights and feedback from key stakeholders, forming the foundation for the product development roadmap.

User Interviews

Throughout the 2 years of research and development, I hosted serveral spotlight sessions to the company that outlined our progress and also aimed to promote stakeholder buy in and literacy with user research

Spotlight Session

MVP to BETA Launch 🚀

This phase of work lasted for approx. one year, during which we maintained a live product serving both internal and external users. As a design team of 2, we conducted multiple usability tests throughout the application. After synthesis of insights, we identified design opportunities and developed richer interactions, across metrics, buildings and user profile.

This phase of work lasted for approx. one year, during which we maintained a live product serving both internal and external users. As a design team of 2, we conducted multiple usability tests throughout the application. After synthesis of insights, we identified design opportunities and developed richer interactions, across metrics, buildings and user profile.

Usability testing

Usability testing

Through a series of short activities, we conducted 6 user tests with external Property Developers and Architects in the US and UK to decipher which parts of TESSA is working well, what would make it better and overall how to make it easier to use.

Through a series of short activities, we conducted 6 user tests with external Property Developers and Architects in the US and UK to decipher which parts of TESSA is working well, what would make it better and overall how to make it easier to use.

Product Optimisation: New features

In response to user feedback, I focused on enhancing the usability of our product. I identified problematic areas and explored opportunities for new features. These features were categorised into "must have," "should have," and "could have," considering technical feasibility and our product roadmap. To guide the design process, I drew inspiration from UI patterns and conducted workshops for design feedback. Lastly, I created UI organisms and handoff files for frontend developers.

Beta Webinar

Testimonial

I've had the pleasure of working with Emily since the inception of Modulous in 2018. She started by building TESSA's first prototypes from market and user research she conducted, allowing us to raise sufficient funding to start the development process. TESSA commercially launched in 2023 and Emily is a direct contributor to the design of its intuitive, smooth and friendly UI. She is a dedicated, passionate designer who cares deely about her work and the impact it has on users, and society at large. She is also an excellent team player, always positive, curious and hard working. She would be an asset to any design team and I would welcome any opportunity to work with her again in the future.

I've had the pleasure of working with Emily since the inception of Modulous in 2018. She started by building TESSA's first prototypes from market and user research she conducted, allowing us to raise sufficient funding to start the development process. TESSA commercially launched in 2023 and Emily is a direct contributor to the design of its intuitive, smooth and friendly UI. She is a dedicated, passionate designer who cares deely about her work and the impact it has on users, and society at large. She is also an excellent team player, always positive, curious and hard working. She would be an asset to any design team and I would welcome any opportunity to work with her again in the future.

Coraline Faurie

CPTO, Modulous

Testimonial

I've had the pleasure of working with Emily since the inception of Modulous in 2018. She started by building TESSA's first prototypes from market and user research she conducted, allowing us to raise sufficient funding to start the development process. TESSA commercially launched in 2023 and Emily is a direct contributor to the design of its intuitive, smooth and friendly UI. She is a dedicated, passionate designer who cares deely about her work and the impact it has on users, and society at large. She is also an excellent team player, always positive, curious and hard working. She would be an asset to any design team and I would welcome any opportunity to work with her again in the future.

Coraline Faurie

CPTO, Modulous